WO2008012556A2

WO2008012556A2 - A packaging module

Info

Publication number: WO2008012556A2
Application number: PCT/GB2007/002862
Authority: WO
Inventors: Peter Maple
Original assignee: Ds Smith Plastics Limited
Priority date: 2006-07-27
Filing date: 2007-07-27
Publication date: 2008-01-31
Also published as: GB2440327A; GB0614884D0; WO2008012556A3

Abstract

In the field of packaging modules there is a need for a packaging module which obviates the need for two or more operatives to modify the configuration of the module. A packaging module (10) comprises a pallet (12), which includes a generally planar support surface (13), and a sleeve (14). The sleeve (14) includes a plurality of interconnected panels (16, 18, 20, 22) and is configurable in an erect configuration in which it bounds a hollow storage area (23) on the support surface (13) of the pallet (12) and a collapsed configuration in which it is folded to lie on the support surface (13) of the pallet (12). A single panel (16) of the sleeve (14) is coupled with the pallet (12) so as to facilitate movement of the sleeve (14) between its erect and collapsed configurations.

Description

A PACKAGING MODULE

This invention relates to a packaging module for use in particular, but not exclusively, for the storage and transportation of goods.

One type of conventional packaging module comprises a pallet and a separate sleeve. The sleeve can be arranged in either a collapsed configuration in which it is folded, or an erect configuration in which it has a hollow rectangular cross- section.

While in the collapsed configuration the sleeve can be placed on the pallet so as to lie on the pallet in a consolidated configuration which is compact and so suitable for returning used packing modules to, e.g. a distribution depot.

While in the erect configuration, the sleeve may be placed on the pallet so as to define a hollow, open-ended cuboidal storage area which can be used to store and/or transport goods. Often a lid is provided for closing the cuboidal storage area. The sleeve must be sufficiently robust in order to withstand the loads to which it is subjected. As a result the sleeve is often heavy.

The weight of the sleeve means that configuring the packaging module for use to store and/or transport goods, i.e. arranging the sleeve in the erect configuration and positioning it correctly on the pallet, requires two or more operatives. This is inconvenient and occupies multiple operatives which means that they are unavailable for other tasks. Similarly, configuring a used packaging module for return to a depot, i.e. arranging the sleeve in the collapsed configuration and positioning it correctly on the pallet, also requires two or more .operatives.

There is, therefore, a need for a packaging module which obviates the need for two or more operatives to modify the configuration of the module.

According to the invention there is provided a packaging module comprising: a pallet including a generally planar support surface; and a sleeve including a plurality of interconnected panels and being configurable in an erect configuration in which it bounds a hollow storage area on the support surface of the pallet and a collapsed configuration in which it is folded to lie on the support surface of the pallet, a single panel of the sleeve being coupled with the pallet so as to facilitate movement of the sleeve between its erect and collapsed configurations.

Coupling the pallet and the sleeve with one another constrains the movement of the sleeve relative to the pallet and allows the pallet to carry most of the weight of the sleeve. This provides assistance to an operative and allows him to manipulate the sleeve on his own so as to configure the module with the sleeve in the erect configuration or the collapsed configuration, thereby obviating the need for the assistance of a second operative.

In addition, coupling the pallet and the sleeve with one another reduces the likelihood of an operative misplacing the sleeve.

hi a preferred embodiment the single panel is coupled with a first edge of the support surface. In such an arrangement the coupling between the sleeve and the pallet takes the place of an operative, thereby allowing a single operative to move the sleeve between the stowed and deployed positions.

Preferably one of the single panel or the first edge includes at least one protrusion and the other of the single panel and the first edge includes at least one cooperating recess for retaining a given protrusion, whereby the pallet and the sleeve are coupled with one another. Such an arrangement is readily manufacturable while providing the desired coupling.

Optionally the or each protrusion defines a hinge, whereby the pallet and the sleeve are pivotable relative to one another. The provision of a hinge allows an operative to readily move the sleeve between the stowed position and the deployed position. The or each protrusion may include a thin portion which defines the hinge. Such a feature is readily manufacturable and reduces the likelihood of the hinge becoming damaged.

In a preferred embodiment, the or each protrusion is slidably retained in a given cooperating recess, whereby the hinge is moveable between a first position adjacent to the support surface and a second position spaced from the support surface. The ability for the hinge to move to a second position spaced from the support surface allows the sleeve to lie on the support surface of the pallet while the sleeve is in the collapsed configuration, thereby allowing the packaging module to adopt a compact arrangement when not in use.

Preferably the or each protrusion includes an elongate slot and the other of the sleeve and the pallet includes at least one removable pin, the or each pin being engagable with a given elongate slot so as to slidably retain the corresponding protrusion. Such features are readily manufacturable and easily assembled.

The or each protrusion may be a tab and the or each cooperating recess may be a slot. These features are a convenient way of providing the desired coupling of the respective first sides of the pallet and the sleeve.

Optionally the pallet includes at least one retaining member for retaining the sleeve while the sleeve is in the erect configuration. The ability to retain the sleeve while it is in the erect configuration helps to maintain the structural integrity of the packaging module while it is being used to store and/or transport goods.

Preferably the or each retaining member includes an L-shaped slot extending along a second edge of the pallet opposite the first edge and a further edge adjacent to the first and second edges, the or each L-shaped slot, in use, retaining a respective corner portion of the sleeve. Retaining a respective corner of the sleeve . helps to further maintain the structural integrity of the packaging module while it is being used. The or each L-shaped slot may be defined by a perimeter wall of the pallet and an L-shaped wall spaced inwards therefrom. Such an arrangement is a convenient way of providing the desired retention which is also readily manufacturable.

In another preferred embodiment, the or each L-shaped wall tapers in height towards the first edge of the support surface. The provision of a tapered wall means that an operative need only pivot the first side of the sleeve relative to the pallet in order to allow the sleeve to move into the erect configuration.

Preferably the pallet and the sleeve include at least one pair of co-operable location members to facilitate correct alignment of the sleeve and the pallet while the sleeve is in the erect configuration.

Conveniently the or each pair of co-operable location members includes a tapered protrusion and a cooperating tapered recess. Such features are readily manufacturable while providing the desired locating effect.

In a further preferred embodiment, the pallet includes one of the tapered protrusion or the tapered recess at each corner thereof, and the sleeve includes the other of the tapered protrusion and the tapered recess at each corner thereof. Providing such features at each corner of the pallet and the sleeve further helps to maintain the structural integrity of the packaging module while it is being used.

Optionally the sleeve includes a grab member. The provision of a grab member helps an operative move the sleeve between the erect and collapsed configurations.

There now follows a brief description of an embodiment of the invention, by way of non-limiting example, with reference being made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows an exploded perspective view of a packaging module according to a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 2(a) shows a perspective view of the packaging module of Figure 1 with the sleeve in an erect configuration;

Figure 2(b) shows a perspective view of the packaging module of Figure 2(a) with the sleeve between the erect configuration and a collapsed configuration; Figure 2(c) shows a perspective view of the packaging module of Figure

2(a) with the sleeve in the collapsed configuration;

Figure 3(a) shows a perspective, partially transparent, view of a portion of the packaging module of Figure 2(a);

Figure 3(b) shows a sectional view along line A-A of Figure 2(a); and Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a pallet which forms part of the packaging module shown in Figure 1.

A packaging module according to a first embodiment of the invention is designated generally by the reference numeral 10. The packaging module 10 includes a pallet 12 and a sleeve 14.

The pallet 12 includes a generally planar support surface 13.

hi the embodiment shown, the sleeve 14 includes first, second, third and fourth panels 16, 18, 20 22. Adjacent panels are foldable relative to one another such that the sleeve 14 is able to adopt a collapsed configuration in which it is folded to lie on the support surface 13, as shown in Figure 2(c), and an erect configuration in which it bounds a hollow storage area 23 on the support surface 13, as shown in Figure 2(a).

The first panel 16 of the sleeve is coupled with a first edge 24 of the pallet 12.

In the embodiment shown, the first panel 16 includes two protrusions 26 in the form of a tab 28 at each end of a bottom edge 29 thereof. The first edge 24 of the pallet 12 includes a pair of recesses 30 each of which is in the form of a slot 32. Each slot 32 is located in a foot of the pallet 12 in order to protect each protrusion 26 from damage by, e.g. the tines of a fork-lift truck. In other embodiments other types and shapes of co-operable protrusion and recess are also possible. Each slot 32 cooperates with a given tab 28 so as to retain the tab 28 and couple the sleeve 14 and the pallet 12 to one another.

Each tab 28 includes a thin portion 34 which defines a hinge 36.

Each tab 28 also includes an elongate slot 38. The length of each elongate slot 38 corresponds to the combined thickness of the first, second, third and fourth panels 16, 18, 20, 22 of the sleeve 14. The pallet 12 includes two removable pins 40, each of which is engagable with a corresponding elongate slot 38 so as to slidably retain the corresponding tab 28 within a given slot 32.

The pallet includes two retaining members 42 each of which includes an L-shaped slot 44. One L-shaped slot 44 extends along a second edge 46 of the pallet opposite the first edge 24 and along a third edge 48 of the pallet adjacent to the first and second edges 24, 46. Another L-shaped slot 44 extends along the second edge 46 and a fourth edge 50 which is also adjacent to the first and second edges 24, 46.

Each L-shaped slot 44 is defined by a perimeter wall 52 of the pallet 12 and an L- shaped wall 54 which is spaced inwards from the perimeter wall 52.

Each L-shaped wall 54 tapers in height towards the first edge 24 of the pallet 12.

The retaining member of another embodiment of the invention may include a single, C-shaped slot (not shown) which extends along the third edge 48, second edge 46, and fourth edge 50 of the pallet 12. Further embodiments may have a retaining member which includes a single slot which extends only along the second edge 46 of the pallet 12.

Each corner of the pallet 12 and the sleeve 14 includes co-operable location members in the form a tapered recess 56 at each corner of the pallet 12 and a tapered protrusion 58 which is defined by each corner of the sleeve 14 when it is in the erect configuration. Other embodiments of the invention may include a different number and form of co-operable location members.

The second panel 18 of the sleeve, opposite the first panel 16, includes a grab member 60 in the form of a strap 62.

In use, a user can configure the sleeve 14 so as to adopt the collapsed configuration shown in Figure 2(c), or the erect configuration shown in Figure 2(a).

To change the sleeve 14 from the collapsed configuration to the erect configuration an operative first lifts a top edge 64 of the sleeve 14. The coupling between the sleeve 14 and the pallet 12 means that the first panel 16 pivots about the hinges 36 with most of the weight of the sleeve 14 being carried by the pallet 12. The operative pivots the sleeve 14 in this way until the first panel 16 is substantially perpendicular to the pallet 12, as shown in Figure 2(b). As the first panel 16 pivots towards this perpendicular position, each tab 28 slides into the corresponding slot 32 so that the bottom edge 29 of the first panel 16 lies adjacent to the support surface 13 of the pallet 12. In this way movement the sleeve 14 relative to the pallet 12 is constrained so as to obviate the need for a second operative.

Once the first panel 16 is in the substantially perpendicular position, the operative is able to unfold the sleeve 14 from the collapsed configuration to the erect configuration. The operative temporarily leans the sleeve 14 past the substantially perpendicular position to allow the sleeve 14 to cleareach tapered, L-shaped wall 54. The L-shaped walls 54 guide the sleeve 14 and allow the sleeve 14 to adopt the erect configuration while the bottom edge 29 of the first panel 16 lies adjacent to the pallet 12, thereby avoiding the need to lift the first panel 16 away from the pallet 12. This, together with the strap 62, helps to ensure that a single operative is able to move and unfold the sleeve 14 into the erect configuration. Once in the erect configuration, the second, third and fourth panels 18, 20 and 22 of the sleeve 14 are aligned with a respective L-shaped slot 44. As a result the second, third and fourth panels 18, 20, 22 are able to slide into a given L-shaped slot 44 so as to be retained thereby.

During this operation, the cooperation between the tabs 28 and slots 32 helps to ensure that the sleeve 14 is correctly aligned with the pallet 12, thereby ensuring that the sleeve 14 is located and positioned relative to the pallet as desired. The tapered recesses 56 and tapered protrusions 58 also assist with this alignment.

When changing the sleeve from the erect configuration to the collapsed configuration, the operative reverses the steps outlined above. The cooperation between the tabs 28 and slots 32 helps to ensure that the pallet 12 and the sleeve 14 remain aligned with one another.

When moving the first panel 16 from the substantially perpendicular position, as shown in Figure 2(b), each tab 28 slides relative to the corresponding slot 32 so as to partially protrude therefrom. This accommodates the thickness of the sleeve panels 16, 18, 20, 22 and so allows the sleeve 14 to adopt the collapsed configuration in which it is folded to lie on the support surface 13 of the pallet 12, as shown in Figure 2(c).

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A packaging module comprising: a pallet including a generally planar support surface; and a sleeve including a plurality of interconnected panels and being configurable in an erect configuration in which it bounds a hollow storage area on the support surface of the pallet and a collapsed configuration in which it is folded to lie on the support surface of the pallet, a single panel of the sleeve being coupled with the pallet so as to facilitate movement of the sleeve between its erect and collapsed configurations.

2. A packaging module according to Claim 1 wherein the single panel is coupled with a first edge of the support surface.

3. A packaging module according to Claim 2 wherein one of the single panel or the first edge includes at least one protrusion and the other of the single panel and the first edge includes at least one cooperating recess for retaining a given protrusion, whereby the pallet and the sleeve are coupled with one another.

4. A packaging module according to Claim 3 wherein the or each protrusion defines a hinge, whereby the pallet and the sleeve are pivotable relative to one another.

5. A packaging module according to Claim 4 wherein the or each protrusion includes a thin portion which defines the hinge.

6. A packaging module according to either Claim 4 or Claim 5 wherein the or each protrusion is slidably retained in a given cooperating recess, whereby the hinge is moveable between a first position adjacent to the support surface and a second position spaced from the support surface.

7. A packaging module according to Claim 6 wherein the or each protrusion includes an elongate slot and the other of the sleeve and the pallet includes at least one removable pin, the or each pin being engagable with a given elongate slot so as to slidably retain the corresponding protrusion.

8. A packaging module according to any of Claims 3 to 7 wherein the or each protrusion is a tab and the or each cooperating recess is a slot.

9. A packaging module according to any preceding claim wherein the pallet includes at least one retaining member for retaining the sleeve in the erect configuration.

10. A packaging module according to Claim 9 wherein the or each retaining member includes an L-shaped slot extending along a second edge of the pallet opposite the first edge and a further edge adjacent to the first and second edges, the or each L-shaped slot, in use, retaining a respective corner portion of the sleeve.

11. A packaging module according to Claim 10 wherein the or each L-shaped slot is defined by a perimeter wall of the pallet and an L-shaped wall spaced inwards therefrom.

12. A packaging module according to Claim 11 wherein the or each L-shaped wall tapers in height towards the first edge of the support surface.

13. A packaging module according to any preceding claim wherein the pallet and the sleeve include at least one pair of co-operable location members to facilitate correct alignment of the sleeve and the pallet while the sleeve is in the erect configuration.

14. A packaging module according to Claim 13 wherein the or each pair of co- operable location members includes a tapered protrusion and a cooperating tapered recess.

15. A packaging module according to Claim 14 wherein the pallet includes one of the tapered protrusion or the tapered recess at each corner thereof, and the sleeve includes the other of the tapered protrusion and the tapered recess at each corner thereof.

16. A packaging module according to any preceding claim wherein the sleeve includes a grab member.

17. A packaging module generally as herein described with reference to and/or as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.